The Fox in the Forest Duet (2020) Board Game

The Fox in the Forest Duet is a cooperative card game designed for two players, released in in 2020. It is a sequel to the original competitive game, The Fox in the Forest. In this version, players work together to navigate through a magical forest and restore balance to nature.

Game Components of The Fox in the Forest Duet

30 Game Cards (1-10 Doves, 1-10 Roses, 1-10 Stars)

22 Gem Tokens

4 Forest Tokens

1 Team Tracker

2 Reference Cards

1 Forest Board

1 Rules Sheet

How To Setup The Fox in the Forest Duet

To set up the game, start by placing the forest board in the middle of the playing area. Set the orange movement token in the center of the board. Place gems on all the spaces marked with a square, and the remaining gems form a supply. Shuffle the deck of cards and deal 11 cards to each player. The remainder of the cards forms a face-down deck, with the top card flipped over to become the Decree Card. Finally, place the forest tokens near the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Cooperative trick-taking game

Mechanics: Trick-taking, co-operative play, special card abilities

Objective: Collect all the gems along the path on the forest board within three rounds.

Turn Structure: Players take turns playing one card from their hand, with the requirement to follow suit if possible. The Decree Card determines the trump suit.

Movement: The movement token is moved based on the pawprint icons on the played cards.

Gem Collection: Gems are collected when the movement token lands on a space with a gem.

Forest Tokens: If the movement token moves off the board, forest tokens are placed to limit the path.

Player Experience

The Fox in the Forest Duet offers a fun and challenging experience, particularly for fans of trick-taking games. The game is easy to learn, with a straightforward setup and simple rules. However, it requires strategic thinking and coordination between the two players, as they cannot discuss their cards or strategy during the game. This silence adds a unique layer of tension and challenge, making the game engaging and replayable.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup make it accessible to new players.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and strategy without direct communication.

Portable: Compact size makes it perfect for travel.

Beautiful Artwork: Attractive illustrations by Roanna Peroz enhance the game’s charm.

Healthy Balance of Strategy and Luck: Keeps the game engaging and unpredictable.

Cons

Limited Communication: The no-communication rule can be frustrating for some players.

Luck-Dependent: The distribution of cards can sometimes lead to unfair outcomes.

Printing Quality: Some customers have noted that the card material is not very thick.

Personal Thoughts on The Fox in the Forest Duet

The Fox in the Forest Duet is ideal for couples or friends who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a quick, yet challenging, gaming experience. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate trick-taking mechanics and are willing to adapt to the unique no-communication aspect. The game’s compact size and beautiful artwork make it a delightful addition to any board game collection. If you’re seeking a game that teaches teamwork and strategy without the need for lengthy gameplay, this is definitely worth considering.

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